Britain’s High Court ruled that the plan to send asylum-seekers on a one-way flight to Rwanda is “lawful.”
The controversial policy is now subject to additional legal battles after the British High Court on Monday, December 19, ruled that the scheme to send asylum seekers on a one-way plane to Rwanda is legal, but that the case facts should be carefully assessed before expelling anyone.
Eight asylum seekers, aid organizations, and a union for border guards reportedly filed lawsuits against the British government to prevent it from enforcing a deportation arrangement with Rwanda that is meant to deter migrants from perilous English Channel crossings to get to the UK.
Judges rejected a request from asylum seekers, humanitarian organizations, and a border officials union to block the Conservative government from enforcing a deportation agreement in a ruling that might have significant consequences for Rishi Sunak’s administration.
However, two judges criticized the British Home Office for failing to take into account the circumstances of the eight people it attempted to deport under the plan in June.
The court’s decision follows Sunak’s priority of deterring people from seeking asylum in the UK, as the country is struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and widespread strikes that wreak havoc.
Over 44,000 people have reportedly entered Britain by traveling across the English Channel in small migrant boats, and many have perished, including four last week when a boat capsized in cold weather.
The verdict was hailed by both the British and Rwandan governments. The plan will proceed, and the government will “defend” against any future judicial challenge, according to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who has previously referred to the Channel crossings as an “invasion of our southern coast.”
This comes as the British government claims that its deportation strategy will dissuade criminal gangs from trafficking migrants via the English Channel.
